Assalaam alaikum my brothers and sisters in Islam. As we all know that performing Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan has great rewards and it is a a period in which the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr) is expected to fall. However, it is crucial to understand its rules and etiquette. There are some things that can nullify Itikaf completely and there are some things to avoid that can cause a decrease in the reward.
Many people enter Itikaf without proper knowledge of the things that can nullify Itikaf and things not to do in Itikaf, unintentionally making mistakes that could invalidate their worship. Understanding these rulings ensures that one’s sincere efforts are accepted by Allah and that the true essence of Itikaf is preserved.
In the following sections, we will delve into the common mistakes, actions that nullify Itikaf, and practices to avoid to maintain its validity.
What are the things that nullify Itikaf?
Itikaf is an act of pure devotion, requiring complete dedication to worship and isolation in the mosque. However, there are some things that can nullify Itikaf and these include leaving the Masjid without a valid reason, having intercourse with one’s wife, menstruation and postnatal bleeding, apostasy, and others. Let’s explore them in detail with evidence from the Quran and Sunnah.
1. Leaving the Masjid without a valid reason
Among the things not to do in Itikaf is stepping outside the mosque without necessity. Itikaf is meant to be a continuous stay within the masjid, and unnecessary exits break it immediately. Some of the invalid reasons that can invalidate one’s Itikaf are:
- Going shopping or running errands
- Casually socializing or visiting family and friends
- Stepping out for fresh air or entertainment
Leaving for valid reasons which doesn’t invalidate the Itikaf are:
- Using the restroom
- Taking a shower (if needed for cleanliness)
- Medical emergencies (severe illness, injury, or doctor visit)
- Answering nature’s call
Aisha (RA) said:
“The Prophet ﷺ would not enter the house during Itikaf except for a necessity.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 2029)
This hadith clarifies that leaving the masjid is only permissible for essential needs. Otherwise, the Itikaf is nullified. `Aishah said: The Sunnah is for the person in i’tikaf not to visit the sick or attend funerals, or to be intimate with his wife. But there is nothing wrong with his going out for essential needs. (Abu Dawud, 2473; classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih Abi Dawud. Extracted from the Prophet’s Itikaf IsQ&A)
2. Engaging in Intimacy (Intercourse and Related Acts)
One of the things that can nullify Itikaf is physical intimacy with one’s wife. It is not allowed to have sexual intercourse with one’s wife while in Itikaf. Allah states in the Quran that:
“And do not have relations with them while you are in Itikaf in the mosques.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
The prophet ﷺ would only lean his head out of the mosque into `Aishah’s apartment so that she could wash his head and comb his hair so as to remain clean but he wouldn’t be seen kissing his wife like he used to do in any other days unlike when he’s in Itikaf. (Al-Bukhari (2028) and Muslim (297)
3. Menstruation and Postnatal Bleeding
For women, menstruation and postnatal bleeding automatically invalidate Itikaf because they require purity (taharah) for it to remain valid.
Imam Maalik said concerning women: If a woman does Itikaaf, then gets her menses whilst she is in Itikaaf, she should go back home, then when she becomes pure, she may go back to the mosque at whatever time she becomes pure, and continue her Itikaaf from where she left off. (Al-Muwatta’ (1/316). Extracted from IsQ&A)
What to do if this happens?
- If a woman starts menstruating, her Itikaf ends immediately.
- If she wishes to complete Itikaf, she must perform a new Itikaf once she becomes pure again.
4. Apostasy or major sins that remove one from Islam
Committing a major sin that removes a person from Islam, such as shirk (associating partners with Allah), mocking the religion, or denying an essential part of Islam, immediately nullifies Itikaf. This is among the major things that can nullify Itikaf instantly without excuse because the condition of the one who wants to perform Itikaf is to be a believer.
“But if you commit shirk, surely your deeds will be nullified, and you will certainly be among the losers.”
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:65)
This is because these actions remove a person from the fold of Islam, and worship is only valid for believers.
Understanding the things that nullify Itikaf is crucial to ensure its acceptance. Many people unknowingly commit errors that invalidate their worship. By adhering to the rules of Itikaf, one can maximize its rewards and attain closeness to Allah. In the next section, we are going to discuss the things not to do in Itikaf. These are actions that don’t necessarily nullify it but reduce its rewards.
What are the things not to do in Itikaf (common mistakes to avoid)?
Some of the things not to do in Itikaf do not invalidate Itikaf directly as whole but only reduce the rewards. These include acts like spending one’s time excessively talking, scrolling through the phone, engaging in business affairs, and many more.
1. Engaging in idle talk, excessive socializing, and gossip
Among the common things not to do in Itikaf is this. It is one of the biggest mistakes people make during Itikaf in spending too much time in idle conversations, unnecessary socializing, and gossip.
Why it’s harmful:
- Reduces concentration in worship
- Distracts from Quran recitation and dhikr
- This opens the door to backbiting, arguing, or vain speech
The best use of time in Itikaf is engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), reading Quran, making dua, and reflecting on one’s life. Unnecessary socializing takes away from this spiritual focus.
2. Wasting time on entertainment (phones and social media)
In today’s digital world, phones, social media, and entertainment can be major distractions while using them in Itikaf. This is one of the things not to do in Itikaf and abstain from.
How it affects your Itikaf:
- Watching movies, or social media wastes valuable time meant for worship.
- Mindless scrolling replaces Quran recitation and dhikr.
- Worldly entertainment that is mostly watching nudity now disconnects you from Allah instead of bringing you closer.
Itikaf is a great opportunity to distance oneself from distractions and reconnect with Allah, don’t let technology steal that chance from you!
3. Sleeping excessively
While rest is important, sleeping too much during Itikaf is a major mistake. Many people waste their time in sleep, forgetting that Itikaf is meant for intensified worship.
Why oversleeping is a problem:
- It reduces the time available for ibadah (worship).
- It makes a person lazy instead of spiritually active.
- It goes against the purpose of Itikaf, which is to seek closeness to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ himself used to minimize sleep in the last ten nights of Ramadan increasing in worship and seeking Laylatul Qadr.
“The Prophet ﷺ would tighten his waist belt (stay away from his wives), stay up at night (in worship), and wake his family (for prayer).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 2024)
If the Messenger of Allah ﷺ whom Allah has forgiven all of his sins while on earth could reduce sleep to maximize worship, shouldn’t we do the same?
4. Engaging in business or work affairs
Many people try to manage work, trade, or business activities while in Itikaf. However, this goes against the essence of this retreat, as Itikaf is meant to detach a person from worldly concerns. This is among the things not to avoid in Itikaf because it won’t give space for total focus.
Why business and work disrupt Itikaf:
- It shifts focus from ibadah to dunya (worldly matters).
- It reduces the time for dua, dhikr, and Quran recitation.
- It distracts the heart from fully connecting with Allah
Understanding the things not to do in Itikaf is just as important as knowing what nullifies Itikaf. We have already discussed both. By staying focused, avoiding distractions, and engaging in sincere worship, you can make your Itikaf one of the best among others.
Making the most of your Itikaf
Itikaf is more than just staying in the masjid. It is an opportunity to fully devote yourself to Allah. If you perform it with sincerity, patience, and dedication, Itikaf can purify your heart, strengthen your faith, and bring massive rewards. Since we know the things that can nullify Itikaf and things not to do in Itikaf now, it will be very easy for us to make the most of this worship.
Make sure to follow the following to achieve the best of your Itikaf.
- Intend sincerely for the sake of Allah.
- Engage in more worship like reciting the Quran, observing Solah, making dua, and seeking forgiveness.
- Avoid distractions. Stay away from excessive talk, social media, and worldly affairs.
- Protect your Itikaf by avoiding the things that nullify Itikaf which we have already mentioned.
Itikaf is a rare and golden opportunity. We don’t know which will be our last Ramadan. Let’s make every worship count and observe it very well. We ask Allah to grant us more Ramadan in this world, accept our devotion, and grant us His mercy, guidance, and Jannah. Aameen.
